Our children need the opportunity to engage with the stories in the Bible as they grow through the years. We are formed, informed, and reformed by our reading of the Bible. “Hearing the Bible stories in relationship with loving parents or family members forms children in faith and helps them develop a language of faith that will grow with them.” 1

Where to begin? Make reading the Bible together part of a daily ritual. There are several excellent Story Bibles for younger children as well as Contemporary English Bibles for mid and upper elementary-aged children.

• Establish a time and place you will read together. Ask questions to help transition into this special time: How was your day? Was there something that made you really happy or something that made you sad? Where did you see God’s love today? Where did you give or receive God’s love?

• Read a Bible story or passage together. Another way to share a story is to watch a video on a tablet or computer.

• Pause for a few seconds or minutes in silence to reflect on the story.

• Spend time wondering about or exploring the story together. Ask questions: Who is in the story and what happens to them? What do you think the story is about? Why do you think this story is important? How is this story different from the time and place in which we live? When would be a good time for you to remember this story? What does it have to do with your life?

• As you end your time of reading the Bible together, share a blessing. You can do one of the following: Affirm some of the things your child said about the story. Recall some of the things your child mentioned about their day and use them in a simple prayer of thanksgiving or intercession. Invite your child to pray (prayers of thanksgiving, asking for help, confession or intercession on behalf of others.)

For more in-depth information on sharing the Bible with your child, there are two copies of I Wonder: Engaging a Child’s Curiosity about the Bible by Elizabeth F. Caldwell available for loan. Please contact Mary Densmore at densmore@mhccucc.org.